When dealing with cards, there is something you have to look
at before sending them out to be signed... you have to look at the surface of
the card. Modern cards tend to have a
high gloss on them, and that looks wonderful, but it is horrible for autographs. The ink from pens like Sharpies will not
adhere to a glossy surface, and will just bead up and rub off. Prior to about 1995, collectors didn't need
to worry about this. Glossy surfaces
were not widely used and ink would adhere just fine. But all is not lost. You can still use glossy cards for
autographs, it just takes some preparation.
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| Image courtesy of martcollectables123 on Ebay |
There are two methods of 'preping' cards. One is by using an eraser, the gum or rubber type, and gently rub the eraser across the
surface of the card. I have tested this
method on a few cards and had mixed results.
This method can also leaves a milky film on the card.
The other method, the one I use, is with baby powder. Simply put a small amount of the powder onto
the card and rub the surface with it.
The tack in the baby powder will allow the surface to take the ink. Just make sure to rub down the entire
surface, you never know where the person will sign the card. Than just wipe off the remaining powder and it is ready for the mailbox.
Here is a link to a wonderful video by 'theautographnetwork' on YouTube showing both methods. Check it out.
May your mailbox be filled with autographs and not bills!
Hi Jeff,
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting blog. I collected hockey cards as a kid. When I wanted to get a Red Wing to sign one my dad went take me and my brothers down to Joe Louis Area and we wait outside the for the players to come out after a game. The only other way I would get autographs is by paying for them at a trade show. I never heard of gathering autographs this way before. I'm eager to read more of your posts.
Jim
Thanks. It is definitely a hobby that can get addictive fast.
DeleteJeff, I'm diggin your autographed Jake the Snake and Million Dollar Man cards. WWF is my guilty pleasure and that is way cool you have those pieces. I'd comment more but WWF Raw just came back from commercial. I'm a dork, I know!
ReplyDeleteNice work dude!
Thanks. I grew up watching wrestling, during the prime of Hogan, Dibiase, Jake 'the snake', Honkey Tonk Man... I designed a set of custom cards to get signed by some of my favorites. I have scans of them on my flicker account at http://www.flickr.com/photos/7971225@N06/sets/72157626813020787/
DeleteThat is an awesome idea Jeff! Proper preparation prevents poor performance! Glad to see you are keeping this hobby-interest alive!
ReplyDelete